"Tales of pioneer hardship and deprivation have been told many times. Yet still we remember in wonder, that people accomplished so much with so little; that men and women with simple tools, their bare hands, and their own inventiveness cleared the land, drained the swamps, made their own clothing and provided their own food. Through all these difficulties God was with them and they wanted their children educated intellectually and spritually." from Norfolk Street United Church history

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

“Slave, Soldier and Settler" The story of Richard Pierpoint at Wellington County Museum and Archives

ABOYNE Ontario January 10, 2012 – Wellington County Museum and Archives - In honour of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, make plans to explore the upcoming exhibit Richard Pierpoint: Slave, Soldier, and Settler.

This exhibit tells his story of his life from slavery, through two wars and as one of the earliest settlers in Wellington County.

Born in West Africa in 1744, Pierpoint was captured and sold into slavery in 1760. Escaping after twenty years, he fought with the British in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, earning his freedom and land grants in Upper Canada. In his long life of 94 years, Pierpoint took every opportunity to create independence and identity for other freed men.

Historical documents accompanied by murals created by award-winning painter Meredith Blackmore provide insight into the life of early black soldiers and settlers In Upper Canada.

The Wellington County Museum and Archives is located on Wellington Road #18 betweenFergus and Elora. The galleries are open weekdays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and 12:00 to 4:00 pm on weekends and holidays